Cricket Wellington gets behind UNICEF Haiti appeal

Wellington. – Millions of people have been affected by the devastating 7.0 magnitude earthquake in Haiti, including a New Zealand family. New Zealanders’ hearts are heavy with emotion for the families that have lost their loved ones, their homes and livelihoods.

Because of this raw emotion and a need to send aid to the crisis stricken nation, Cricket Wellington has decided to dedicate their next game (Friday 22 January) to raising funds to help the people of Haiti.

This week’s game on Friday 22 January between the Wellington Firebirds and Central Stags, dubbed “Howzat for Haiti”, will contribute 20 percent of gate sales to international charity UNICEF. Trademe auctions, a donation phone line, and ground collections will also be part of the drive to raise funds, as well as sponsors’ contributions.

The players and Cricket Wellington administration are right behind the fundraiser and Cricket Wellington CEO Gavin Larsen hopes Wellingtonians will show their charitable spirit by turning out to support the Firebirds and Haiti this Friday.

“Terrible disasters like these require a response where possible, and I’m pleased Cricket Wellington is in a position where we can contribute to this cause,” he says.

“The disaster in Haiti is without doubt one of the worst disasters I can recollect, and we can’t help but be compelled to do all we can to support the relief effort. This is our way of contributing to the aid that UNICEF is deploying during this humanitarian crisis.”

Wellington Firebirds and BLACKCAPS spin bowler Jeetan Patel was distraught to see footage of the devastating disaster and he is determined to help do as much as he can to help the people of the small Caribbean nation.

“We’re compelled by this terrible catastrophe to help where we can. There are issues in the world much larger than cricket but as cricketers we have a vehicle to react to events such as these and support and contribute to those who need it most,” he said. “We’re privileged to be able to contribute in this way.”

UNICEF NZ Executive Director, Dennis McKinlay, is very pleased with Cricket Wellington’s dedication to making a difference.

"Sport has always been a great mechanism to reach children and UNICEF has partnered all around the world with sporting organisations to benefit children,” he says.

“Cricket Wellington’s ‘Howzat for Haiti’ is a marvellous initiative that will bring life saving aid to hundreds of children. UNICEF applauds Cricket Wellington and their partners for using Friday's match to make a difference for children in Haiti."

Cricket Wellington already have New Zealand Cricket, HRV, Quality Hotel, Apex Print, Speedy Signs, Exodus Gym, Ticketek, Scarlett Events, the Dominion Post, The Radio Network and the Centre of Dental Excellence on board and they are encouraging more businesses to get behind the worthy cause.

The Trademe auction, which includes items such as a gym membership, rare cricket memorabilia, and tickets to ACDC, is open online now, with the member name ‘howzat_4_haiti’. It will be added to regularly.

The UNICEF 0800 number for donations is 0800 800 124. This will be advertised on SKY TV during the match. Further to the donation line, the SKY cricket commentary team will be promoting the fundraiser during the match. People can also donate through www.unicef.org.nz, as well as at the match.